THERE are only a select band of celebrities who are known by one name. Among them is Madonna, Jagger, Bowie . . . and Toyah writes Beverly Greenberg

The latter burst on to the scene with violently dyed red hair and lashings of thick make-up telling us how "It's A Mystery". Almost 25 years later, that same "wild child" can be seen presenting a variety of mainstream television shows ranging from religion to travel, and is now embarking on a musical tour playing a lead role originally made famous by -- Doris Day!

But did she ever envisage, all those years ago as a young punk, that her career would take such a diverse route?

She laughs: "When I started I never even imagined living beyond 30.

"In fact, when I reached my 30th birthday I had to think 'Now what am I going to do?'."

Despite a lack of formal planning, Toyah Wilcox's career has gone from strength to strength, with the singer, turned presenter, turned actress remaining as enthusiastic as ever.

But are there any offers of work that she would turn down?

"I would never want to do a sex scene," she insists. "I am very, very physically shy. With presenting, I have avoided anything to do with shopping and babies. I do not like shopping and have not had any babies." She adds: "I only take jobs I want. That keeps me really enthusiastic. There is nothing worse than having a big expensive show starring a leading actress who resents being there.

"It is the presenting which has kept me in touch with people. It has allowed me to be slightly journalistic while looking at the issues.

"And yet it came about as a remarkable mistake. My agent told me I had been approached to present an entertainment programme, but added that he had told them it was the sort of thing I would want to do. So I did it!"

Although Toyah first came to prominence as a singer, she began her career at the National Theatre at the age of 18. She formed a band with the people she was working with and spent five years touring pubs and working men's clubs before enjoying her first hit record, It's A Mystery.

She said: "The image was nothing new for me. I was wearing black and had pink hair when I was 14. When punk arrived on the scene I felt there was something finally out there for me.

"I was obsessed with becoming famous. It was like a bad habit. My ambitions have changed now. I am more realistic these days, but I love acting and would love to be on television or in film, or do more work on stage."

An on stage is where you will find Toyah for the next year or so, starring in Calamity Jane, a part made famous by Doris Day.

Toyah said: "The character did exist, living around the 1860s, and yes, she did have to dress and talk like a man.

"I do like the music. When you look at the Doris Day film it is apparent that it was written for her as a vehicle and represented women of the 1950s. We are looking at representing these women in the 1860s.

"These women were pioneers, able to claim their own land. They would ride out on their own into the wilderness to claim the land."

"We open on September 9 and come to Manchester in October. Rehearsals have just started, which I thoroughly enjoy.

"I will be touring with Calamity Jane for 10 months and then there are rumours that it will go to West End. There is even the possibility of being invited for a short run on Broadway. I have had to leave the next year free, just in case."

Calamity Jane will run at the Manchester Opera House from October 7 to 12. For tickets, telephone 0161 242 2524.